Thread: Max Occupancy

Char, MSC? I am clueless as to what that is?

Neal, I guess I am used to being around them. They are all my kids and we always vacation together. Maybe in not such tight quarters, but we always have to make accommodations with such a big family. If there is another alternative that is within the budget, I am down for it!!

Originally Posted by Cruise Planner

Do not call Carnival directly as the people you talk to work in a call center and have never seen a ship. So their ability to assist you is very limited and their knowledge is extremely lacking compared to a reputable agent.

Lotsa luck finding an agent who has even researched a cabin for 5...

Good thinking Char! MSC is a relatively new cruise line to most people that offers a kids sail free program. Although, Char, with the 3rd, 4th, and 5th supplement being less than $200 in many cases, I am not sure that is so significant.

Remember, you still have to tip for everyone even if they are the 3rd, 4th, and 5th!

Originally Posted by Angelwhispers32

Char, MSC? I am clueless as to what that is?

MSC Cruises is a privately owned and operated Italian cruise line. You've seen cargo containers on tractor-trailers marked MSC(Mediterranean Shipping Company)? Well, they got into the cruise business, and have a fleet of very beautiful ships. In North America, the only ship, the MSC Poesia sails from New York on Canada/New England cruises, and from Ft. Lauderdale, FL with Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. Kids 17years and under sail Free, they only pay the taxes. Click this link: MSC Cruises USA | Cruise Deals | Cruise Vacations | Cruise Lines.

Originally Posted by nealberk

Good thinking Char! MSC is a relatively new cruise line to most people that offers a kids sail free program. Although, Char, with the 3rd, 4th, and 5th supplement being less than $200 in many cases, I am not sure that is so significant.

Remember, you still have to tip for everyone even if they are the 3rd, 4th, and 5th!

It's significant savings, Neal. I had a group of 18 sail with them(MSC) over Thanksgiving, and the cost for each kid(8 of them) was the taxes of $81.35 on a 7 night cruise. A family of 5 in one cabin cost $1,487.00.

The Grats. for kids is $6.00 each($12 for the adults). Two kids were under 2 years old and they did not have to pay the auto Grats. Had I booked them on Carnival, that cruise would have cost them $2,000 to $3,000.00 per family.

Originally Posted by explorenorth

Lotsa luck finding an agent who has even researched a cabin for 5...

Actually, it's relatively easy using either Amadeus, which is a multi-cruise line booking engine, or goccl.com, which is Carnival's booking engine. These are for agents only, but using either of them, a good agent can quickly research which ships have cabins for 5, what the availability is, and what the prices are. Doesn't take much effort - just a little time for an agent who are knowledgeable in how to do it.

I actually just booked a family in a cabin for 5 last week. While it's not something I recommend if the kids are older, for smaller kids, it works fairly well. I sure wouldn't want to do it, but others find it acceptable and cost effective.

Pete